Apple

Sorry Vince, I didn't really mean to imply that you were up to no good. In fact, I imagine that every request is being made by someone who similarly has perfectly good reasons to do what they're trying to do.

I just think it's funny how many requests sound funny on the surface--"how can I do x without the user knowing it's happening." It's not the idea of hiding application launches that seems odd about this type of request. It's the fact that the scripter is actually trying to hide the script's activity from the user. In your case, it makes sense. In most cases, it probably does. But we don't usually get the benefit of the background like you just gave us. Without that background, some requests just look (at least to me) like the scripter is trying to create an application that, under most circumstances, would behave in a manner not unlike that of a virus.

Just my thoughts. Not to get anyone worked up or anything.

David

On Mar 20, 2008, at 4:33 PM, Vince Angeloni wrote:
. . . are there any other options someone could recommend to send an email message behind the scenes? . . .
Am I the only person here who thinks that sometimes requests are made for help with "suspicious" scripting needs?

David

Oh pulleeze! Do you mean to tell me that you can't think of any legitimate reasons why you wouldn't want to see a bunch of programs launching all over your screen when your Applescript runs? Maybe the ones you should be suspicious of are the people at Apple who thought that this would be a good thing. I guess I'd hate to see what you'd say if I'd asked about 'rm'! ;)

I have several Applescripts that run a LOT smoother now that they *don't* show up. I don't write shareware and I don't distribute my scripts, so you can put your suspicion to rest. The program I am doing is actually one that will close a loophole in Apple's parental controls. I have a home network and if the kids use up their allotted time, they can just jump to another computer and get another couple of hours. My Applescript will tell me when they've used up their time and will log them out. If they cancel logout and stay on, it will send me an email. If they switch computers, it will still track their time and won't let them bypass the allotted time for the day. It would be nicer if it did the email in the background, but it will work either way. Send me your email address if you'd like a peek at the code. vangeloni is_at mac dot c\o\m

If I was attempting something underhanded, I would not be asking about _Mail_ which would leave a copy of the email in the user's SENT mailbox, for crying out loud! Sheesh!

Vince